Asthmatics urged to stay alert

PEOPLE living with asthma have been warned to be more vigilant with hay fever and asthma treatment, with allergy and thunderstorm season upon us.

Asthma Australia’s annual asthma and allergy campaign is encouraging people experiencing hay fever symptoms to seek medical advice from their GP or pharmacist and to be aware of changes in weather conditions.

Data shows higher than usual rates of asthma and hospitalisations during the spring pollen season, and Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman said people need to pay close attention to their asthma and allergies.

“At least 80 per cent of people with asthma also have hay fever (or allergic rhinitis),” said Ms Goldman.

“Because hay fever and asthma can be triggered by the same pollen allergens, people with hay fever who experience symptoms of coughing or wheezing could also be experiencing symptoms of asthma.

“Unfortunately, research shows the presence of hay fever is associated with worse asthma control in both children and adults.”

In a survey conducted by Asthma Australia recently, 75 per cent of people with asthma who experienced hay fever symptoms were aware that hay fever could make their asthma harder to control.

However, two in five of these people had never spoken to a GP about their symptoms or treatment.